Thankful for People, Water, and Wildlife
In is the season of gratitude, Friends of the Chicago River has plenty to be thankful for as we reflect on the natural wonders of the Chicago-Calumet River system, and the work to protect and restore it for all people, water, and wildlife.
Donate Today
To start, how could we be more thankful for water? It nourishes and sustains us all. And, the water in the river is cleaner than it has been in generations, leading to the first organized swimming event in nearly 100 years this past September, thanks to our friends at A Long Swim. For more than 10 years, Friends supported and collaborated with swim organizers to advocate for the monumental event that showcased the renaissance of the Chicago River to the world.
We are also thankful for a river system teeming with beautiful habitat and abundant wildlife. Think of all the flora and fauna in and along the river system that add respite and vibrancy to our lives. Recent research in England and Wales has found that “spending time near canals and rivers is associated with better mental wellbeing.” Native plants such as water willow and lizard’s tail improve water quality and habitat in the shallow areas of the riverbanks and they are easy on the eyes too – and our River Shallows project is aiming to plant more of them across the entire river system. Chris Anchor, senior wildlife biologist with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, spoke at Friends’ McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum over the summer about how osprey, turtles, and otters are recovering within green spaces along the river. Meanwhile, just steps away from the Bridgehouse Museum, the Chicago Riverwalk is proving to be quite the destination for local fishers.
We have saved the best for last. People! We are thankful for all of the people who steward, advocate for, support, and love the river. You have all made an incredible difference this year whether volunteering during Chicago River Day, being a member, conserving water during an Overflow Action Alert, attending the Big Fish Ball, serving on vital committees, taking a canoe trip along the river, and so much more. Everyone has a part to play in the river’s recovery, from a middle school student taking their first Chicago River Schools Network field trip to the river to a volunteer picking up litter in their neighborhood as part of our Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River program.
We hope you will consider making a donation of any amount to sustain our year-round programming; individual donors are our largest source of the unrestricted support that forms the backbone of our work.
Thank you again for being our friend, and most of all, a friend of the river.
